Diplomas and Beyond for Boomsatsuma Students

Diplomas and Beyond for Boomsatsuma Students

Celebrations at boomsatsuma extended beyond the outstanding academic achievements of students.

All boomsatsuma college students passed with at least a Merit, 68% of students passing with a Distinction and 42% across all grades achieving a Distinction Star, far exceeding the national average. The progress of students beyond college education into either employment in the creative industries or University is even more impressive, with 100% positive progression.

Results day is a memory that stays with us for life, and for boomsatsuma’s College cohort, this years’ Level 3 Extended Diplomas, August 18th will be a happy memory. While not considered to be the end of their journey by the team at boomsatsuma, it is an opportune moment to acknowledge their achievements.

Luke Fazackerley, boomsatsuma’s Curriculum Lead, states:

"I’m delighted for this fantastic group of students and our staff, who have all contributed to these outstanding results. Treating every student as individuals and supporting them to achieve their potential, while overcoming their challenges, has meant we’ve really got to know them, which adds to our desire to see them do well in their courses and their lives beyond college."

This year-group, drawn from diverse communities across the City, have achieved exceptional grades, with every student passing with a Merit or higher, against the additional challenges presented by Covid, with boomsatsuma being one of the few educators that maintained face-to-face lessons throughout the pandemic.

Bristol is known for its love of independent brands, and boomsatsuma shines as a local educator, steering its own path to nurture these 120 students on creative tech courses, located at sites across the City. boomsatsuma was founded on inclusive principles of giving opportunity to Bristol’s sometimes marginalised communities, which has expanded from one course to five College courses: Creative and Digital Media, Sports Media Production, Film and Television, Games VR and VFX, and Photography Collective.

Mark Curtis, boomsatsuma director, states:

"We set out with the belief that we could give local people the best possible opportunity to progress in the creative economies in our region. These results speak for themselves: 100% Merit and above, and 68% of all grades achieving at least a Distinction. We are beyond delighted for all of these young people for what they have achieved and that they are all now moving on, either into creative careers or higher education, some gaining entry to our own degree courses.

We maintain strong links with local creative businesses to afford our students' valuable experiences and help shape our course content to give them the best chance of progressing into careers. It is great to see that progression this year.

Notwithstanding the academic achievements, it is incredible that 25% of our Film and Television students have got full-time jobs straight from college; embarking on careers with great Bristol companies, including Film’s at 59, The BBC, Wildstar, and RDF. Local authentic voices shaping the creative industries of the future.

This is a local success story for young people: educated in Bristol, by a Bristol educator, to work in Bristol’s expanding creative sector."